New York state has finalized an emergency rule that allows registered nurses to follow non-patient-specific orders issued by physician assistants, Nixon Peabody reported July 1.
Previously, RNs could only carry out orders and protocols issued by physicians and nurse practitioners. Expanding the law increases care access, especially in community settings such as schools, shelters, community clinics and mobile health programs.
The non-patient-specific orders and protocols included in the rule are:
- Immunizations
- Emergency treatment of anaphylaxis
- Tuberculosis screening
- HIV and hepatitis C testing
- Opioid overdose treatment
- STI screening
- Electrocardiograms for suspected acute coronary syndrome
- Point-of-care glucose testing for suspected hypoglycemia
- IV access and diagnostic testing for suspected sepsis
- Pregnancy testing
- COVID-19 and influenza testing
